US11571517B2 - Injector delayed cartridge piercing mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

An injector includes an injector housing, an activation button assembly translatable from an unactuated position to an actuated position and a cartridge door movably mounted to the injector housing between an open position and a closed position. A deflectable interference member has a resting position configured to limit an insertion depth of a cartridge into an interior channel of the cartridge door to a sealed position, wherein the cartridge piercing needle does not fully penetrate a pierceable septum of the cartridge. Movement of the activation button assembly from the unactuated position to the actuated position thereof, in the closed position of the cartridge door, deflects the interference element out of the resting position thereof, thereby enabling further advancement of the cartridge into the interior channel of the cartridge door to an unsealed position, wherein the cartridge piercing needle fully penetrates the pierceable septum.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Section 371 of International Application No. PCT/US2018/044993, filed Aug. 2, 2018, which was published in the English language on Feb. 14, 2019, under International Publication No. WO 2019/032374 A1, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/543,725, titled “Piercing Preventing During Cartridge Loading”, filed on Aug. 10, 2017, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally directed to a cartridge loaded injector, and, more particularly, to a cartridge loaded injector configured to maintain a cartridge loaded therein in a sealed state until the device is activated for use.

An injector, such as, for example, a drug injector, is typically loaded with a cartridge containing therein a substance to be dispensed. The cartridge may be pre-loaded prior to delivery to a user, or, alternatively, the cartridge may be loaded by the user prior to use. Generally, the cartridge is sealed prior to loading, i.e., insertion, into the injector and unsealed during loading into the injector to place the substance within the cartridge in fluid communication with an injection needle of the injector.

One drawback of such a sequence is that the loaded cartridge may be left in an unsealed state for an excessive period of time prior to device activation, i.e., injection of the substance into the user. The unsealed cartridge is susceptible to leakage and/or contamination, rendering at least the cartridge unsuitable for use. Alternatively, the substance within the unsealed cartridge may flow into the fluid pathway connecting to the injection needle and dry or solidify prior to device activation, thereby potentially obstructing the fluid pathway and rendering the injector unusable. Moreover, once a cartridge is unsealed, it cannot be re-used. Therefore, if a user mistakenly loads the cartridge into the injector prematurely, or, if the injection is otherwise not performed, e.g., device malfunction, the unsealed cartridge is lost.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to manufacture an injector configured to maintain a cartridge loaded therein in a sealed state until the device is activated for use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Briefly stated, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an injector configured to receive therein a cartridge containing a substance to be dispensed, the cartridge having an opening sealed by a pierceable septum. The injector includes an injector housing and an activation button assembly movably mounted to the injector housing, the activation button assembly being translatable from an unactuated position to an actuated position. An injection needle is translatable between a retracted position, wherein at least a tip of the injection needle is contained within the injector housing, and an injection position, wherein at least the tip of the injection needle protrudes from the injector housing. A cartridge door is movably mounted to the injector housing between an open position and a closed position. The cartridge door includes an open end, an interior channel configured to receive the cartridge therein, and a cartridge piercing needle mounted within the interior channel and fluidly connected with the injection needle. The cartridge piercing needle is configured to fully penetrate the pierceable septum of the cartridge to fluidly connect the substance within the cartridge with the injection needle. A deflectable interference member has a resting position configured to limit an insertion depth of the cartridge into the interior channel of the cartridge door to a sealed position, wherein the cartridge piercing needle does not fully penetrate the pierceable septum. The cartridge door is movable to the closed position thereof in the sealed position of the cartridge, and movement of the activation button assembly from the unactuated position to the actuated position thereof, in the closed position of the cartridge door, deflects the interference element out of the resting position thereof, thereby enabling further advancement of the cartridge into the interior channel of the cartridge door to an unsealed position, wherein the cartridge piercing needle fully penetrates the pierceable septum.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an injector having an injector housing and an injection needle translatable between a retracted position, wherein at least a tip of the injection needle is contained within the injector housing, and an injection position, wherein at least the tip of the injection needle protrudes from the injector housing. An activation button assembly is movably mounted to the injector housing and operatively connected to the injection needle, the activation button assembly being translatable from an unactuated position to an actuated position to drive the injection needle from the retracted position thereof to the injection position thereof. A cartridge door is movably mounted to the injector housing between an open position and a closed position. The cartridge door includes an open end, an interior channel having a cartridge mounted therein, the cartridge containing a substance to be dispensed and having an opening at a front end of the cartridge sealed by a pierceable septum and a flange at a rear end thereof, and a cartridge piercing needle mounted within the interior channel and fluidly connected with the injection needle. The cartridge piercing needle is configured to fully penetrate the pierceable septum of the cartridge to fluidly connect the substance within the cartridge with the injection needle. A deflectable interference member engages the rear end flange of the cartridge in a resting position of the interference member, thereby limiting an insertion depth of the cartridge into the interior channel of the cartridge door to a sealed position, wherein the cartridge piercing needle does not fully penetrate the pierceable septum. The cartridge door is movable to the closed position thereof in the sealed position of the cartridge, and movement of the activation button assembly from the unactuated position to the actuated position thereof, in the closed position of the cartridge door, deflects the interference element out of engagement with the rear end flange of the cartridge, thereby enabling further advancement of the cartridge into the interior channel of the cartridge door to an unsealed position, wherein the cartridge piercing needle fully penetrates the pierceable septum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of aspects of the disclosure will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG.1 is a top and front perspective view of a wearable injector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG.2 is a cross-sectional view of the injector ofFIG.1, taken along the sectional line2-2 ofFIG.1, with an activation button assembly in an unactuated position thereof and an injection needle in a retracted position thereof;

FIG.3 is a cross-sectional view of the injector ofFIG.1, taken along the sectional line2-2 ofFIG.1, with the activation button assembly in an actuated position thereof and the injection needle in an injection position thereof;

FIG.4 is a schematic illustration of the operative connection between different components of the injector ofFIG.1, wherein the dotted lines illustrate an operative connection initiated upon injector activation;

FIG.5 is a top, front and left side perspective view of the injector ofFIG.1 having a top cover of the injector removed, with an activation button assembly in an unactuated position thereof, a cartridge door in an open position thereof and a sealed cartridge inserted therein;

FIG.6 is a top, front and left side perspective view of the injector ofFIG.1 having the top cover of the injector removed, with the activation button assembly in the unactuated position thereof, the cartridge door in a closed position thereof and the sealed cartridge inserted therein;

FIG.7 is a top and right side perspective view of the injector ofFIG.1 having the top cover, a driving assembly and an actuator of the injector removed, with the cartridge door in the closed position thereof and the activation button assembly in an actuated position thereof, thereby deflecting an interference element limiting the insertion depth of the cartridge into the cartridge door; and

FIG.8 is a top, front and left side perspective view of the injector ofFIG.1 having the top cover of the injector removed, with the cartridge door in the closed position thereof and the activation button assembly in the actuated position thereof, with the driving assembly advancing the cartridge further into the cartridge door into an unsealed position thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “upwardly” and “downwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the injector, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

It should also be understood that the terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially” and like terms, used herein when referring to a dimension or characteristic of a component of the invention, indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations therefrom that are functionally similar. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown inFIGS.1-8 an injector, generally designated10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, theinjector10 takes the form of a wearable injector (patch injector), such as, for example, without limitation, a wearable drug injector, but the disclosure is not so limited. As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, theinjector10 generally includes ahousing12 having afirst surface14 configured to contact a skin surface of a user (not shown), e.g., a patient, thefirst surface14 having anopening14atherein. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst surface14 defines a base surface of theinjector housing12, but the disclosure is not so limited. Thehousing12 also includes asecond surface16 opposing thefirst surface14. In the illustrated embodiment, thesecond surface16 defines a top, external surface of theinjector housing12, but the disclosure is not so limited.

As shown inFIGS.2-3, aneedle hub18, constructed, for example, from a polymeric or metal material, combinations thereof, or the like, is movably mounted within theinjector housing12 and aninjection needle20 is supported by themovable needle hub18 in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, theneedle hub18 and theinjection needle20 are axially translatable along a needle axis A (FIG.2) extending substantially perpendicularly to thefirst surface14, between a retracted position (FIG.2), wherein at least atip20aof theinjection needle20 is contained within theinjector housing12, and an injection position (FIG.3), wherein at least thetip20aof theinjection needle20 protrudes from the injector housing12 through the opening14a. As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, the needle axis A may be positioned at angles other than 90° relative to thefirst surface14. As also should be understood, theinjection needle20 may be movably mounted within theinjector housing12 via other mechanisms than theneedle hub18.

A depressibleactivation button assembly22, constructed, for example, from a polymeric or metal material, combinations thereof, or the like, is movably mounted to theinjector housing12 and operatively connected to theinjection needle20. Theactivation button assembly22 is translatable, i.e., depressible, along a button axis B (FIG.2) from an unactuated position (FIGS.1,2) to an actuated position (FIG.3) in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, to activate theinjector10. In the illustrated embodiment, the button axis B is parallel to the needle axis A, but the disclosure is not so limited. Activation of theinjector10 includes, for example, driving theinjection needle20 from the retraction position to the injection position thereof to perform an injection.

As shown inFIGS.2-3, a biasingmember24 is operatively connected with theactivation button assembly22 and theinjection needle20, but the disclosure is not so limited. As one alternative example, the biasingmember24 may be connected with thesecond surface16 and theinjection needle20. The biasingmember24 is stabilized in a stored energy state in the unactuated position of the activation button assembly22 (FIG.2) and released into an energy releasing state, when theactivation button assembly22 is translated into the actuated position thereof (FIG.3), to drive theinjection needle20 along the needle axis A from the retracted position thereof to the injection position thereof. As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the stored energy state of the biasingmember24 is a state in which the biasingmember24 stores at least some potential energy. The energy releasing state of the biasingmember24 is a state of the biasingmember24 in which the biasingmember24 releases at least some of the previously stored potential energy from the stored energy state.

In the illustrated embodiment, the biasingmember24 takes the form of a coil spring mounted between theneedle hub18 and theactivation button assembly22, i.e., thespring24 abuts theactivation button assembly22 at one end and abuts theneedle hub18 at an opposing end. In the energy storing state, thecoil spring24 is at least partially compressed. In the energy releasing state, thecoil spring24 expands (relative to the at least partially compressed energy storing state) to drive theneedle hub18 and theinjection needle20 into the injection position thereof. As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, the biasingmember24 may alternatively take the form of other members capable of storing and releasing energy. Non-limiting examples include other springs (e.g., torsion or leaf springs), elastic bands, and the like. Alternatively, the biasingmember24 may take the form of an actuator configured to apply a translational force onto theinjection needle20 when theactivation button assembly22 is depressed into the actuated position thereof.

Theinjector10 further includes acartridge door26 defining anopen end26afor receiving, e.g., slidably, a cartridge28 (FIGS.5-8) therethrough, and aninterior channel26bto receive thecartridge28 therein. Theinterior channel26bmay be sized and shaped to receive and stabilize thecartridge28 therein. Alternatively, theinterior channel26bmay include a cartridge cradle, a cartridge track, individual stabilizing members, combinations thereof, or the like (not shown) to receive and stabilize thecartridge28 in theinterior channel26b.

As should be understood, thecartridge28 includes areservoir28ahaving afirst opening28band asecond opening28c. Thereservoir28acontains a substance (not shown), e.g., medicament, to be dispensed from theinjector10 through theinjection needle20. In the illustrated embodiment thefirst opening28bof thecartridge28 is a distal opening, but the location thereof is not so limited. Thefirst opening28bis sealed by apierceable septum29 in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In the illustrated embodiment thesecond opening28cof thecartridge28 is a proximal opening, but the location thereof is also not so limited. Thesecond opening28cis sealed by apiston27 movably mounted within thereservoir28aand sealingly engaged with an interior sidewall of thereservoir28ain a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The substance within thereservoir28ais sealed between thepiston27 and theseptum29.

Thesecond opening28cof thecartridge28 includes aflange28dlaterally extending therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, theflange28dis an annular flange, i.e., laterally extending from the entire perimeter of thesecond opening28c, but the disclosure is not so limited. As should be understood, theflange28dmay extend from only a portion of the perimeter (less than the entirety thereof) of thesecond opening28c, and may also laterally extend from elsewhere along the length of thecartridge28. As shown, the outer periphery of theflange28dof thecartridge28 defines a largest outer perimeter of thecartridge28. In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of thecartridge28 is defined by a series of generally cylindrical portions, e.g., a cylindrical neck, body and flange, and theflange28dof thecartridge28 defines a largest outer circumference of the cartridge28 (but the disclosure is not so limited).

Thecartridge door26 is movably mounted to theinjector housing12, between an open position (e.g.,FIG.5) and a closed position (FIGS.1,6-8). In the closed position, theinterior channel26bis inaccessible from outside of theinjector housing12. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, theopen end26aof thecartridge door26 is sufficiently covered by a portion of theinjector housing12 such that access to theinterior channel26bis prevented. In the open position, theopen end26aof thecartridge door26 is at least partially uncovered, and theinterior channel26bis at least partially accessible from theopen end26a. In a fully open position of thecartridge door26, as shown inFIG.5, theopen end26aof thecartridge door26 is sufficiently uncovered to permit insertion of thecartridge28 therethrough and into theinterior channel26b.

In the illustrated embodiment, thecartridge door26 is pivotably attached to theinjector housing12, e.g., viapin connection30, proximate a closed, distal end of theinterior channel26b, opposite theopen end26a, but the disclosure is not so limited. As shown inFIG.5, thecartridge door26 is pivoted away from theinjector housing12 in the open position, whereby theinterior channel26bis accessible from theopen end26aof thecartridge door26. Other non-limiting examples of acartridge door26 movably mounted to aninjector housing12 are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0154081, entitled, “Cartridge Insertion For Drug Delivery Device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Thecartridge door26 further includes acartridge piercing needle26cmounted within theinterior channel26b. As shown schematically inFIG.4, thecartridge piercing needle26cis fluidly connected to theinjection needle20 in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, e.g., via a flexible tube (not shown) extending from the piercingneedle26cto theinjection needle20. In the illustrated embodiment, thecartridge piercing needle26cis positioned proximate the closed, distal end of theinterior channel26b, opposite theopen end26a. Thecartridge piercing needle26cextends inwardly into theinterior channel26band terminates at a tip of theneedle26c, positioned to face and align with thepierceable septum29 of thecartridge28 when thecartridge28 is inserted into thecartridge door26. Thecartridge piercing needle26cis configured to fully penetrate thepierceable septum29 of thecartridge28 to fluidly connect the substance within thecartridge28 with theinjection needle20 when theinjector10 is activated, as will be described in further detail below.

Theinjector10 further includes a driving assembly32 (FIGS.5,6 and8 and schematically inFIG.4) positioned and configured to engage the piston27 (through theopen end26aof thecartridge door26 and thesecond opening28cof the cartridge28) subsequent to device activation to expel the substance out of thecartridge28, as will be explained in further detail below. In one non-limiting example, the drivingassembly32 may take the form of a telescopic driving assembly, i.e., a plurality of threaded shafts threadably connected to one another in a telescopic manner whereby rotation of at least one of the shafts linearly translates at least another of the shafts, but the disclosure is not so limited. One example of a telescoping driving assembly is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0346478, entitled “Linear Rotation Stabilizer For A Telescoping Syringe Stopper Driverdriving Assembly”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The drivingassembly32 is operatively engaged with theactivation button assembly22. In one non-limiting example, and as shown schematically inFIG.4, theinjector10 may include asensor34, e.g., an optical position sensor, configured to detect movement of the injection needle20 (in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art) from the retracted position thereof into the injection position thereof, which is generated (as previously explained) by movement of theactivation button assembly22 from the unactuated position thereof to the actuated position thereof. Alternatively, or additionally, thesensor34 may be configured to detect movement of theactivation button assembly22 itself from the unactuated position thereof to the actuated position thereof. Thesensor34 may be connected to acontrol assembly36, e.g., a processor, and configured to transmit an output signal thereto (in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art) indicative of theinjection needle20 becoming positioned in the injection position thereof. In response, thecontrol assembly36 may be configured to activate an actuator38 (in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art). Non-limiting examples of anactuator38 include a motor, a spring actuator, a gaseous actuator, a chemical actuator, an electrical actuator, an electromechanical actuator, combinations thereof, or the like. Upon activation, theactuator38 is configured to drive the driving assembly32 (in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art), e.g., via a series of interconnected rotatable gears, from an initial position, unengaged with thepiston27, into engagement with thepiston27.

Theinjector10 further includes adeflectable interference member40 having a resting position (FIGS.5,6) in which theinterference member40 limits an insertion depth of thecartridge28 into theinterior channel26bof thecartridge door26. When in the resting position thereof, theinterference member40 permits insertion of thecartridge28 into theinterior channel26bof thedoor26 to a sealed position wherein thecartridge28 is loaded, but remains sealed. That is, theinterference member40 prevents thecartridge28 from reaching a position wherein the piercingneedle26cfully penetrates thepierceable septum29, thereby fluidly connecting the substance within thecartridge28 with theinjection needle20. In the illustrated embodiment, thecartridge piercing needle26cdoes not engage theseptum29 in the sealed position of thecartridge28. Alternatively, thecartridge piercing needle26cmay partially penetrate theseptum29 in the sealed position of thecartridge28, without fully penetrating through theseptum29. As shown best inFIG.5, theinterior channel26bof thecartridge door26 defines a length greater than a length of thecartridge28. Accordingly, in the resting position of theinterference member40, thecartridge28 is sufficiently insertable into theinterior channel26bof thecartridge door26 to permit movement of thecartridge door26 into the closed position thereof, while remaining in the sealed state thereof (FIGS.5 and6).

In the illustrated embodiment, thedeflectable interference member40 takes the form of a cantilevered arm/finger defining a deflectable portion of the sidewall of thecartridge door26. That is, the cantileveredarm40 is integrally formed with the sidewall of thecartridge door26, e.g., co-molded therewith, having a first end connected to thecartridge door26 and extending (as a deflectable portion of the sidewall) to a second,free end40aproximate theopen end26aof thecartridge door26. The disclosure is not so limited, however, and the cantileveredarm40 may be formed separately or individually and connected or attached, directly or indirectly to thecartridge door26. Alternatively, thedeflectable interference member40 may take other forms capable of performing the function of theinterference member40 disclosed herein, such as, for example, without limitation, a spring actuated deflectable interference member. Thecartridge door26 and thedeflectable interference member40 may each be constructed, for example, from a polymeric or metal material, combinations thereof, or the like.

As shown inFIGS.5 and6, an internal diameter D26 of thecartridge door26 at the second,free end40aof the cantileveredarm40 is smaller than an outer diameter D28 of thecartridge28 at therear flange28dthereof, when the cantileveredarm40 is in the resting position thereof. As previously explained, therear flange28ddefines a largest outer circumference of thecartridge28. Accordingly, the inner perimeter of thecartridge door26 at the second,free end40aof the cantileveredarm40 is smaller than an outer perimeter of thecartridge28 at therear flange28dthereof in the resting position of the cantileveredarm40. When thecartridge door26 is opened to insert a cartridge therein, the cantileveredarm40 is positioned in the resting position thereof. Thus, the second,free end40aof the cantileveredarm40 engages therear flange28dof thecartridge28 during insertion of thecartridge28 into theinterior channel26bof thecartridge door26 and blocks further advancement of thecartridge28 into theinterior channel26b. Thecartridge door26 and the piercingneedle26care sized and dimensioned such that the piercingneedle26cdoes not fully penetrate theseptum29 of thecartridge28 at the position of thecartridge28 within theinterior channel26bwhen stopped by the second,free end40aof the cantileveredarm40.

As shown best inFIGS.5-8, theactivation button assembly22 includes apost42 extending therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, thepost42 extends downwardly (i.e., parallel with button axis B) from acover22aof theactivation button assembly22, but the disclosure is not so limited. As shown best inFIGS.6 and7, thepost42 tapers to a terminal end thereof opposite from thecover22a. Thepost42 starts to taper at least partially along the length thereof. That is, thepost42 defines a taperedface42aalong at least a portion of the length of thepost42, resulting in a gradual thinning of thepost42 in a direction toward the terminal end (otherwise viewed as a gradual thickening of thepost42 from the terminal end thereof in a direction toward thecover22a). As should be understood, thepost42 may taper along the entire length thereof or along a portion of the length thereof. Thepost42 defines a post pathway C, parallel to the button axis B, along which thepost42 travels during movement of theactivation button assembly22 from the unactuated position to the actuated position.

The cantileveredarm40 defines a hook-shapedtab44 laterally extending from the sidewall of thecartridge door26 toward the post pathway C. In the closed position of thecartridge door26, the hook-shapedtab44 extends through the post pathway C (FIG.6). Accordingly, movement of theactivation button assembly22 from the unactuated position to the actuated position thereof, in the closed position of thecartridge door26, engages thepost42 with the hook-shapedtab44. Thepost42 slides through thecentral aperture44aof the hook-shapedtab44 with the taperedface42aof thepost42 facing toward the hooked end of thetab44 and away from thecartridge door26. As the taperedpost42 travels downwardly through thecentral aperture44aof thetab44, the increasing thickness of the post42 (due to the reverse taper) engages and laterally translates the hooked end of the tab44 (FIG.7). The taperedface42aof thepost42 is inclined from the terminal end thereof toward thecover22ain a direction away from thecartridge door26. Accordingly, the hooked end of thetab44 is laterally translated away from thecartridge door26, and, in turn, deflecting the cantileveredarm40 away from the resting position thereof in a direction away from thecartridge door26. As should be understood, thepost42 may be constructed to define a greater bending stiffness, i.e., resistance against bending deformation/deflection, than the cantileveredarm40, such that engagement of thepost42 with the hook-shapedtab44 results in deflection of the cantileveredarm40. Such properties may be achieved via relative material properties, between thepost42 and the cantileveredarm40, as well as relative dimensions between thepost42 and the cantileveredarm40, or a combination thereof.

As shown inFIG.7, the internal diameter D26 of thecartridge door26 at the second,free end40aof the cantileveredarm40 is greater than the outer diameter D28 of thecartridge28 at therear flange28dthereof, in the deflected position of the cantileveredarm40. That is, the inner perimeter of thecartridge door26 at the second,free end40aof the cantileveredarm40 is greater than an outer perimeter of thecartridge28 at therear flange28dthereof in the deflected position of the cantileveredarm40. As shown inFIG.7, the second, free end of the cantileveredarm40 clears therear flange28dof thecartridge28. Thus, when theactivation button22 is depressed from the unactuated position to the actuated position thereof (with thecartridge door26 in the closed position), deflecting the cantileveredarm40 with thepost42, thecartridge28 is unblocked and further advancement of thecartridge28 into theinterior channel26bof thecartridge door26 is enabled.

In use, thecartridge door26 is opened and thecartridge28 is inserted into theinterior channel26bthereof, until therear flange28dof thecartridge28 engages the second,free end40aof the cantileveredarm40 in the resting position of the cantilevered arm40 (FIG.5). Advantageously, thecartridge28 remains sealed. Thecartridge door26 is thereafter moved into the closed position thereof, aligning the cartridge door26 (and thecartridge28 therein) with the drivingassembly32 secured within theinjector housing12. When ready for use, theactivation button assembly22 is translated from the unactuated position thereof to the actuation position, deflecting the cantileveredarm40 away from the resting position thereof as previously explained and freeing thecartridge28 for further advancement into theinterior channel26bof thecartridge door26. As also previously explained, theactivation button assembly22 is operatively connected with the drivingassembly32, and movement of theactivation button assembly22 into the actuated position thereof also drives the driving assembly forward and into engagement with the piston27 (FIG.8). Upon initial contact between the drivingassembly32 and thepiston27, thecartridge28 remains sealed. Thus the driving force of the driving assembly onto thepiston27 drives theentire cartridge28 forward, whereby theseptum29 is fully penetrated by the piercingneedle26cand thecartridge28 is unsealed.

In one embodiment, thecartridge28 is driven forward until thecartridge28 reaches a stop surface (not shown). For example, the stop surface may take the form of a step (not shown) laterally inwardly projecting from the inner sidewall of thecartridge door26 and configured, e.g., positioned and dimensioned, to abut therear flange28dof thecartridge28 upon full penetration of theseptum29 by the piercingneedle26c. The substance within thecartridge28 therefore becomes fluidly connected with theinjection needle20 upon penetration of theseptum29 and further forward advancement of thecartridge28 is stopped. Once thecartridge28 is unsealed and stopped, further driving force of the drivingassembly32 applied to thepiston27 advances the piston forward through thereservoir28aof thecartridge28 and causing the substance within thereservoir28ato flow through the piercingneedle26c, to theinjection needle20, and, to be dispensed out of theinjection needle20.

Advantageously, thecartridge28 is preserved in a sealed state until theinjector10 is activated for use, as theinterference element40 blocks full insertion of thecartridge28 until theactivation button22 is translated into the actuated position thereof. Accordingly, theinjector10 is not subjected to leakage, contamination or blockage of flow prior to injector activation. Moreover, if theinjector10 is damaged or the injection is otherwise not performed, e.g., an error occurs and is recognized betweeninitial cartridge28 loading and actuation of theactivation button assembly22, thecartridge28 remains sealed and usable with anotherinjector10.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (20)

We claim:

1. An injector configured to receive a cartridge containing a substance to be dispensed, the cartridge having an opening sealed by a pierceable septum, the injector comprising:

an injector housing;

an activation button assembly movably mounted to the injector housing, the activation button assembly being translatable from an unactuated position to an actuated position;

an injection needle translatable between a retracted position, where at least a tip of the injection needle is contained within the injector housing, and an injection position, where at least the tip of the injection needle protrudes from the injector housing;

a cartridge door movably mounted to the injector housing between an open position and a closed position, the cartridge door comprising:

an open end,

an interior channel configured to receive the cartridge, and

a cartridge piercing needle mounted within the interior channel and fluidly connected with the injection needle; and

an interference member having a resting position configured to limit an insertion depth of the cartridge in the interior channel of the cartridge door to a sealed position, wherein the cartridge piercing needle does not fully penetrate the pierceable septum in the sealed position,

wherein the cartridge door is movable to the closed position when the cartridge is in the sealed position, and

wherein movement of the activation button assembly from the unactuated position to the actuated position, when the cartridge door is in the closed position, deflects the interference member out of the resting position, thereby enabling advancement of the cartridge in the interior channel of the cartridge door to an unsealed position, wherein the cartridge piercing needle fully penetrates the pierceable septum in the unsealed position to dispense the substance through the injection needle.

2. The injector ofclaim 1, further comprising a driving assembly engageable with the cartridge to expel the substance therefrom, the driving assembly being operatively engaged with the activation button assembly and being configured to drive the cartridge from the sealed position to the unsealed position upon movement of the activation button assembly from the unactuated position to the actuated position.

3. The injector ofclaim 1, wherein the interior channel defines a length greater than a length of the cartridge.

4. The injector ofclaim 1, wherein the interference member comprises a cantilevered arm.

5. The injector ofclaim 4, wherein the cantilevered arm defines a first end connected to the cartridge door and extends to a second, free end proximate the open end of the cartridge door.

6. The injector ofclaim 5, wherein the cartridge door comprises a sidewall, and the cantilevered arm defines a deflectable portion of the sidewall of the cartridge door.

7. The injector ofclaim 6, wherein the cantilevered arm is integrally formed with the sidewall of the cartridge door.

8. The injector ofclaim 6, wherein the sidewall of the cartridge door defines a first internal perimeter at the second, free end of the cantilevered arm when the cantilevered arm is in the resting position thereof, and the sidewall of the cartridge door defines a second internal perimeter at the second, free end of the cantilevered arm when the cantilevered arm is deflected from the resting position thereof, the first internal perimeter being smaller than a largest outer perimeter of the cartridge insertable into the interior channel, thereby limiting the insertion depth of the cartridge in the interior channel of the cartridge door, and the second internal perimeter being greater than the largest outer perimeter of the cartridge, thereby enabling advancement of the cartridge in the interior channel of the cartridge door.

9. The injector ofclaim 4, wherein the activation button assembly comprises a post extending therefrom to a terminal end having a tapered face, the post having a post pathway along which the post travels from the unactuated position of the activation button assembly to the actuated position of the activation button assembly, and wherein the cantilevered arm comprises a tab laterally extending therefrom toward the post pathway, the tab having a hooked end facing the tapered face of the post, wherein movement of the activation button assembly from the unactuated position to the actuated position, in the closed position of the cartridge door, engages the post with the tab, the tapered face engaging and laterally translating the hooked end, and, in turn, deflecting the cantilevered arm away from the resting position thereof.

10. The injector ofclaim 1, wherein the activation button assembly is operatively connected to the injection needle, whereby movement of the activation button assembly from the unactuated position to the actuated position thereof drives the injection needle from the retracted position to the injection position thereof.

11. The injector ofclaim 1, wherein the cartridge door is pivotably mounted to the injector housing at an end of the cartridge door opposite the open end thereof.

12. An injector comprising:

an injector housing;

an injection needle translatable between a retracted position, where at least a tip of the injection needle is contained within the injector housing, and an injection position, where at least the tip of the injection needle protrudes from the injector housing;

an activation button assembly movably mounted to the injector housing and operatively connected to the injection needle, the activation button assembly being translatable from an unactuated position to an actuated position to drive the injection needle from the retracted position to the injection position;

a cartridge door movably mounted to the injector housing between an open position and a closed position, the cartridge door comprising:

an open end,

an interior channel having a cartridge mounted therein, the cartridge containing a substance to be dispensed and having an opening at a front end of the cartridge and a flange at a rear end of the cartridge, and

a cartridge piercing needle mounted within the interior channel and fluidly connected with the injection needle; and

an interference member engaging the flange of the cartridge in a resting position of the interference member, thereby limiting an insertion depth of the cartridge in the interior channel of the cartridge door to a sealed position, wherein the cartridge piercing needle does not fully penetrate a pierceable septum in the sealed position;

wherein the cartridge door is movable to the closed position in the sealed position of the cartridge, and

wherein movement of the activation button assembly from the unactuated position to the actuated position, when the cartridge door is in the closed position, deflects the interference member out of engagement with the flange of the cartridge, thereby enabling advancement of the cartridge in the interior channel of the cartridge door to an unsealed position, wherein the cartridge piercing needle fully penetrates the pierceable septum in the unsealed position to dispense the substance through the injection needle.

13. The injector ofclaim 12, wherein the interference member comprises a cantilevered arm.

14. The injector ofclaim 13, wherein the cantilevered arm defines a first end connected to the cartridge door and extends to a second, free end proximate the open end of the cartridge door.

15. The injector ofclaim 14, wherein the cartridge door comprises a sidewall and the cantilevered arm defines a deflectable portion of the sidewall of the cartridge door.

16. The injector ofclaim 15, wherein the sidewall of the cartridge door defines a first internal perimeter at the second, free end of the cantilevered arm when the cantilevered arm is in the resting position thereof, and the sidewall of the cartridge door defines a second internal perimeter at the second, free end of the cantilevered arm when the cantilevered arm is deflected from the resting position thereof, the first internal perimeter being smaller than a perimeter of the rear end flange of the cartridge insertable into the interior channel, thereby limiting the insertion depth of the cartridge in the interior channel of the cartridge door, and the second internal perimeter being greater than the rear end flange perimeter of the cartridge, thereby enabling advancement of the cartridge in the interior channel of the cartridge door.

17. The injector ofclaim 13, wherein the activation button assembly comprises a post extending therefrom to a terminal end having a tapered face, the post having a post pathway along which the post travels from the unactuated position of the activation button assembly to the actuated position of the activation button assembly, and wherein the cantilevered arm comprises a tab laterally extending therefrom toward the post pathway, the tab having a hooked end facing the tapered face of the post, wherein movement of the activation button assembly from the unactuated position to the actuated position, in the closed position of the cartridge door, engages the post with the tab, the tapered face engaging and laterally translating the hooked end, and, in turn, deflecting the cantilevered arm away from the resting position thereof.

18. An injector configured to receive a cartridge containing a substance to be dispensed, the cartridge having an opening sealed by a pierceable septum, the injector comprising:

an injector housing;

an activation button assembly movably mounted to the injector housing, the activation button assembly being translatable from an unactuated position to an actuated position;

an injection needle;

a cartridge door movably mounted to the injector housing between an open position and a closed position, the cartridge door comprising:

an interior channel configured to receive the cartridge, and

a cartridge piercing needle fluidly connected with the injection needle; and

an interference member having a position configured to limit an insertion depth of the cartridge in the interior channel of the cartridge door to a sealed position, wherein the cartridge piercing needle does not fully penetrate the pierceable septum in the sealed position,

wherein the cartridge door is movable to the closed position when the cartridge is in the sealed position, and

wherein movement of the activation button assembly from the unactuated position to the actuated position, when the cartridge door is in the closed position, moves the interference member out of the position, thereby enabling advancement of the cartridge in the interior channel of the cartridge door to an unsealed position, wherein the cartridge piercing needle fully penetrates the pierceable septum in the unsealed position to inject the substance through the injection needle.

19. The injector ofclaim 18, wherein the interior channel defines a length greater than a length of the cartridge.

20. The injector ofclaim 18, wherein the interference member comprises a cantilevered arm.

Images